Best self directed IRA custodians w/best value, lowest costs

[Brian Spring]

Help - The Directory on BPs has ~60 SDIRA custodian companies?!?!  Any recommendations on choosing a custodian and what are the typical set up costs and recurring/annual costs?     How many of you have SDIRAs and how are they working out for you? 

[Daniel Dietz]

Brian Spring my personal theory after picking out a provider for both a SDIRA and a couple of years later for a SOLO401K is to take a HARD look at the providers here on BP who participate in these forums.

As @Carl Fischer pointed out above, the fees are fairly comparable. To me, the service, guidance, and responsiveness are what count the most. 

I found HANDS DOWN that the ones here like Carl, @Dmitriy Fomichenko, @Brian Eastman, and other who are likely to chime in are more responsive to questions, helping you understand the benefits and rules and the like. At least that was my experience when I contacted them, compared to some of the 'big firms' out there. 

They have worked out good for us (myself and three investing partners) so far. The biggest things to be aware of are 'prohibited transactions', the fact that you can not work on properties yourself, and if borrowing you need more like 40-50% down payments. We hold 9 of our 25 units this way. 

Dan Dietz